RK-033

Monticello Dec [underlined in red] 1857 [underlined in red] My Dear Cousin Robert, You see I am at home - I have not yet bade farewell to all my "loved ones at home" - I am so very ^busy preparing for house key ring - which we intend to begin the 1st of January I have stolen a little time to answer my Dear Cousins interesting and affectionate letter - Oh! how Cousin Bella loves to hear from you all - and you must still continue to write and often too - I wish my husbands (is it not a little singular for Bella to say Husbands) to see and know how well and dear my relatives love me. And for him to be proud of them as well as I which I know he cannot I help but be. My Dear one, is proud of your letters now - he thinks you write finely for one so young Oh! Bobbie, and you must visit us soon too. We all look forward to this time with great pleasure. When some of you will make the good resolve to come forth. Ma says the knows you could do well here - and especially as a good Physcian - she will write you a letter as soon as she has leisure. portraying the advantages that you would have at the South - . We have succeeded in getting for you some reptiles - & insects, and will continue to make the collection larger. Cannot get Aligators until Spring. We have beautiful weather now - and some few lovely flowers

My Flower vases are continually supplied and you can imagine how cheerful and happy it makes ones rooms look. Oh! I do not know how I shall live without flowers. Mr. Lamkin's, home is a new one - and there is no garden as yet. But we shall be attending to that soon - we intend to have a beautiful and happy home Cousin mine. Pa has made me a present of a carriage and a negro woman and I think we shall make a pretty good beginning Ever since my wedding - we have scarcely attended to anything - I am going to dineing parties ^given - in compliment to them. Bride and Bridegroom - evening parties - and returning calls - All is merely as a marriage [illegible]. Many thanks to you Dear Cousin for your kind wishes. And may you find one of these days a true, devoted loving heart as Cousin Belle had found. Now I wish to see Dear Alice and Cora - they both are so beautiful and intelligent now. I have no doubt. Encourage them to learn Bobbie - and always love them as you do I know. Ma and Sister Helen [illegible] write you soon - We are - that is my husband has an [illegible] given him Tuesday after Christmas - in his town - We shall all attend it together - then I shall be left - to brave the world with him. I love so truly & fondly. Write to me soon - Your next will be addressed to me at Holmesville - Pike Co - My love yo Dear Uncle John & Aunt Mary - and my Cousins - God bless you my Cousin Bob Good bye Belle